Inaugural Post! A Review of Natalie Jenner's Jane Austen Society

Perfect for both historical fiction fans and lovers of the iconic British author.

Note: I reviewed this book as an ARC. Look for its release in 2020!

"...rarely am I as moved by the story and the characters as I was by Natalie Jenner's magnificent debut, The Jane Austen Society."

I've lately become a big fan of Goodreads giveaways. When I saw the humble entry for The Jane Austen Society (it hadn't even had its cover reveal yet!), I knew I had to try for it. All I had to read were the words "World War II" and "Jane Austen."

Let me tell you: I was elated when I found out I a won a copy, and I quickly dove into it.

I read a lot and often, and rarely am I as moved by the story and the characters as I was by Natalie Jenner's magnificent debut, The Jane Austen Society. It's one of those rare books that makes you think about its people long after you put it down. You will laugh with them, you will fall in love with them, you most certainly will cry with them. They will feel like they are part of your own circle of friends.

The heart of the story is beloved British writer, Jane Austen, and an estate in Chawton, England, where she lived. The plot is driven by eight very different people living in the immediate aftermath of WWII, all of whom are ardent fans of Austen: a doctor, the heiress of the estate, a Hollywood starlet, a housekeeper on the estate, a former teacher, a farmer, a lawyer, and an auction house employee. They form a society devoted to the preservation of her memory, and work to turn part of the estate into a museum. Indeed, this work explores the hold Austen continues to have over us to this day.

I was looking forward to reading this on the blurb about Austen and the setting alone. What I found was more than I had hoped. Themes of hope, loss, grief, betrayal and love were powerful. I felt for Adeline, Ben, and Francis as if they were my own family, but the rest of the cast was equally compelling. And though the story weaves through all eight points of view, it's never confusing. Jenner is a deft and lovely writer.

It was a privilege to read this ARC. Many thanks to Goodreads for hosting this giveaway and to St. Martin's Press for providing this review copy. I cannot recommend it enough--to those who love Jane Austen, to though who love historical fiction, to anyone who just loves a good story.

#janeites #JaneAusten #historicalfiction

Natalie Jenner is a former lawyer and bookshop owner by way of England and Canada. The Jane Austen Society is her first novel.